by Lindsay Davis, Access to Justice Director - Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA)

Every Minnesota lawyer should aspire to render at least 50 hours of pro bono publico legal services per year (Minn. R. Prof. Conduct 6.1). While the total number of official pro bono hours is not tracked in Minnesota, the number of MSBA members certifying themselves as “North Star Lawyers” (those who have volunteered at least 50 hours per year) is at its highest yet with 980 for 2015.  This is an increase of 13 members over 2014.  Overall, the percentage of MSBA members certified as North Star Lawyers increased to 6.71% from 6.46%.  More significantly, the number of hours of service increased from 108,500 to 113,000. This represents a 4.1% increase in the total hours of service.  The estimated value of this service is $22.6 million.

A recognition ad with the names of each North Star Lawyer ran in the print edition of the Star Tribune on May 5, 2016.  A similar list will run in the May/June edition of the MSBA’s Bench and Bar magazine.  To learn more and find out how you can become a North Star attorney, visit: www.mnbar.org/northstar.